July 29

 Time seems to fly and I suddenly find several more weeks have past. 

We have been talking about and preparing for the Montana Family Reunion for months and now it is on our doorstep. I am praying for safety for everyone as they travel in and back from all parts of the world and for safety and love while we are together. Max, Jacqui, Aksel and Astrid arrived from Australia last Saturday and we blessed Astrid on Sunday while all four brothers were together. A heart touching sight to see. They will drive down with Cindy and Paul to Montana. Jack and Sam will drive with me, Ross, Sarah and Hansen will drive on their own. The Burgess family will come from Kelowna. Trevor’s family will fly in on Saturday from different locations to different locations and Bryson will drive in from Alberta, I believe. The Bull family are awaiting our arrival, having made most of the preparations and plans. Excited and blessed!

Melanie and I have visited a couple of our older sisters the last couple of weeks and still have many more to go. The two of us had a breakfast meeting one day as well. Our dear Tina went thru the Temple to receive her endowment and I served as her LOW. Serveral others attended along with her daughter Ladina and the rest of her children met her outside the Temple afterward. I had Camille’s family stay a couple of days for Presley to have medical checkups and for Camille and Daylon to attend the Temple. The McCues stopped in while they were here to pick up Jeff’s belongings after Cindy got them from the cruise and they had stopped to get Jeff’s truck. He will be staying at Jenn’s for the time being. They all loved Joanne’s Family Birthday Cruise to Alaska. We had book club last night at Marilyn’s with Melissa hosting.

The weather is back and forth with heat and rain. The rain is desperately needed as the forest fires are bad  here in BC and back east. They are also blazing in parts of Europe.

Leaving home is always challenging, having the house, callings and business all in order along with insuring that the dog is vaccinated, bathed and ready. I have to have myself ready too - pills, clothes etc. Oh, how I miss Tom but I know he will be in on this event. I need heavens help from Tom and our Heavenly Father. I always do. 

July 9, 2026

 Joanne, Jamie, Brook, Jennifer, Russel, Nora, Jonathan and Jeff are on an Alaska Cruise celebrating Joanne’s 80th birthday. Jeff had been struggling living on his own with Gertie. Cindy had been to visit him and afterward everyone decided that Jennifer and Russ better come for him. Cindy and Paul also went to give them support. Jenn and Russ took him home with them along with Gertie and helped get him ready for the cruise and back on his medications. Cindy brought some of his clothes and bedding home to wash and she and her family went back to clean his place out and bring the remainder of his belongings to my garage. He is feeling better and such a sweet boy. Hopefully we can get him back into Wagner Hills and make some arrangements for him to have Gertie near. I just want them to have a nice vacation and Joanne to enjoy herself. Dave is with his children in Kelowna and we are all hoping that goes well. Joanne worries about him going alone. 

I have worked to get all my banking, investment, interest and everything in order and moved from my old bank to my new bank. Things have finally been completed but the whole transfer has taken about six months. I have turned most of my investment over to the Muir team and set my money up for the next year on my own. I have been going to the physio for my neck and right shoulder and things are better but not perfect. I am busy with my Relief Society calling and my Temple calling but I enjoy both and enjoy the sisters I work with. We are still getting details in order for the family reunion.

Cindy is struggling with another cold and I fear that it is covid. She needs a rest and a break. Brendon’s sisters have now arrived in Kelowna and that gives Liza a good deal of anxiety. I feel for her. 

Keaton and Treyvn have both graduated high school and are working, Bryson is working as an FSY leader this summer and Sam is working at Royden Stanford’s office assisting. Breya is in summer school. Jack is home for July and working from home for John Layton. Treyvn and Bryson will be at BYU this fall, Keaton at UBCO, Jack at Uof L, Breya at Uof A, Sam at BYUI Pathway and Jadyn completing her masters remotely while working in Saint George.  Justin is a PT, Zach completed his MBA, Max completed his CPA and Ross is working on his CPA. They are all working hard and are good kids. I love my family and I am proud of them. Cindy is also at BYUI Pathway completing her degree. 

Angels here and angels over there. ❤️❤️

June 18, 2026

 It is nice to have Cindy and Paul back from Australia and, though they loved spending time with new baby Astrid, there have been some difficulties that have been part of their trip experience. One, here at home, Sam was having a flare with his stomach problems, to the point that we had to take him to the MapleRidge hospital one evening for a hydrating IV. I was trying to stay in touch with him daily and help him out without being overbearing and annoying. He is twenty and needs his independence but I was worried about him. Secondly, Cindy and Paul both got colds during their stay and had to keep a distance from the baby for a few days which was heartbreaking. And lastly, dear Buddy, the dog, has been going downhill for awhile but developed a lump by his mouth that was growing (perhaps an abscess) while they were gone and they had to make the sad decision to put him down last Saturday. This was needful but painful for all, especially for Sam. They are now settling back into work, school and life.

We had our Ministering Conference entitled “Love One Another” last week and it seemed to be a success. Sharon Hara, our activity chairman, worked hard with the decorating, and food which was quiche, salad and then a huge pavlova made by Melanie. Alice put together a chorus which sang a lovely version of  “Love One Another”. Melanie gave a presentation, followed by talks given by Karin and myself. Tina helped Sharon with the food. It was a very nice evening and our only desire would be to have had more in attendance.

I have had the Sister Missionaries for dinner, attended book club at Cheryl Leavitt’s, filled my callings, taken care of the yard with the warmer weather arriving, paid taxes (a lot of taxes), paid Larissa for the Reunion and worked with Rissa to make decisions regarding the Reunion. The Burgess family came down one weekend to attend the Temple and Keaton’s rugby tournament. I always love my family around. I went to get more large rocks to fill in gaps in the front yard that resulted when adjustments were made during the installation of my neighbor’s artificial turf.

 I went to Tom’s grave alone after my Temple shift on June 6. I will grieve him until we are together again because he has always had and still has my heart and, at this point in my journey, it hurts. I missed him at the Temple Workers’ devotional, I think because people ask me how I am doing and I know they are really asking how I am doing without him. The answer is - I am blessed but I am not whole, however, that is not what I say.

Liza and Sayde are in Florida for Sayde to have two weeks of intensive strengthening treatments. Unfortunately, as they went to pick up their rental car, Liza discovered that her license had expired. They are walking to the clinic, for groceries, etc. Luckily they are by the beach. Bryson is coming this weekend and they are hoping to get a rental car for him to drive. That may be a problem too as you are suppose to be 25 to get a rental car and he is 22. Hoping for the best and praying for them.

May 20, 2026

 Our big news is that baby girl Astrid Hardy was born on Monday, May 18 Australia time while it was still Sunday here in North America. We are so excited and she is beautiful. I think she looks like her father Max. Big brother Aksel seems to be thrilled with her so far but that could change when he realizes that she is a permanent family member and will be taking up a lot of his mother’s time. Cindy finally got the May baby girl that she always dreamed of. Cindy and Paul will be leaving soon for a few weeks in Australia to participate in the new baby excitement. Sam and I will remain here.

I have been working these past few weeks spreading bags of bark mulch, setting up the back deck for summer, washing windows etc and I seem to have an angry shoulder. I love to work on my house and my yard and it is upsetting when my body rebels.

I took Jack and Sam for brunch while Jack was here and then they helped me buy a new printer as mine was acting up. My security system was bought out by Telus, so I took up their offer for a new mobile phone and had my doorbell camera system switched to them as well. It has required many hours on Telus calls and numerous Telus visits but I think things are settled at the moment. My Telus TV system required some more work too. David Bigler helped me get my permanent lights up and working again. Maintaining life is a constant and exhausting. I am still working on getting all my banking switched to Scotia and that is coming along. I am trying to get my life simplified and it is a complicated process. We are working as a Relief Society Presidency to get ministering and activities up and running. I love this presidency and Sharon Hara serving over activities. I think we have some good ideas that hopefully bless the sisters. Rissa and I are discussing the Montana Family reunion and trying to get things organized. It puts a lot on Rissa, as she is more or less hosting and making the arrangements. She gave me a Little White House gift certificate for my birthday and Cindy and I used it last Friday for High Tea. Bela put together a wedding for a couple investigating the church and she assigned me to buy Costco flat cake. We celebrated that last Friday too.

I often have thoughts and feelings that I want to record but when I come to the blog they are not manifesting themselves at the right time. However, one reoccurring feeling I have is a daily constant and that is the feeling of pain I have missing Tom. I am doing well, very well but I still hurt terribly. You miss having your best friend to talk things over with, to share your hurts pains and frustrations with. You miss their constant love, support and encouragement but I still do feel those things. I know I am blessed beyond measure and I have nothing to complain about but oh the pain of missing him is intense and ongoing. I am so grateful for my family. Where would I be without them? I am grateful for the Savior and His gospel and I am grateful that my foundation was grounded there before this part of my life began. I am truly blessed!

April 30, 2026

 Days rarely turn out as planned. I had my day planned in my head when I got up today. I always have a day plan and always have things to do but I received an early morning call from a tearful Jeanne Arnold this morning saying she that was struggling and had not left for Alberta yesterday as was planned. We have been helping Jeanne for the last couple of weeks to get her small coach house packed up and cleaned in preparation for her move to Cardston. She is about three years younger than me and she has allergy and other health concerns that tend to limit her. She has only lived in the ward for a short time and she seems to move quite often. I have been lining up people to go and assist her almost daily. We scrambled today again and Cindy, Jack, Sam, Melanie and the Sister Missionaries and Elders rallied to her aid and got her car packed and her apartment in final order. The boys all helped give her a blessing. I am praying that she manages and lands safely.

We had Jeff’s graduation from Wagner Hill’s last Friday and Cindy, Sam, Jenn, Russ, Nora and I all attended. We are so proud of him and are just hoping and praying for his future success. He is flying to Alberta today to pick up his truck and his dog Gertie. Jenn and family stayed with me.

I have been working on Relief Society Activities with Sharon Hara and we have the year planned with Four Main Activities and Interest Group Activities. One of our main activities will be a Temple activity with the Vancouver Temple Matrons and I have been busy inviting all of them and asking them to save the date in October. I have been working on other calling related responsibilities as well, both Temple and Relief Society.

Liza and family came, along with Liza’s coworker Kiana, on the weekend of April 11. Brendon and the children did Temple Baptisms and Liza and Kiana attended a PT workshop and stayed an extra couple of days completing that.

I have got my taxes in, completed and paid. I have been setting up a new doorbell camera security system with Telus and I am ready to purchase a new printer as no one can get mine working. I had the windows and house washed, spread bark mulch in the flower beds and ordered flowers for Stake Conference held last weekend. I also attended book club at Marilyn’s this week. Somewhere, along the line, I have pulled my right shoulder and I am hoping I can get that feeling better.

Jack is here this week and Breya is home too. Both are returning for summer school as Bryson is doing too. Trey will be attending BYU the fall and Sam hopes to attend BYUI next year sometime. Everyone is busy.

Blessed and busy too.

April 8, 2026

 I have really let the time lapse since my last post. I am discouraged because I cannot seem to figure out how to add pictures but I will try to have one of the children help me sort it when they have a minute with me.

The last month has involved going to Kelowna to attend Sayde’s play, receivng a new calling, getting taxes together and celebrating Easter along with numerous other events but these are the highlights.

The week after we got back from Alberta I flew to Kelowna so I could attend Sayde’s play “Beetlejuice”. I asked Mary and Lincoln to drive me to the Vancouver Airport early in the morning on March 13. It was dark and raining and I felt concerned for dear Mary who was doing the driving, with Lincoln in the back and me in the front trying to help Mary find her way. Mary told me later, as I drove her to book club one evening, that both she and Lincoln felt Tom near encouraging them to take good care of his wife and that they would be kept safe on their drive home. I am always happy when people say they have felt him near because I feel him all the time. I am grateful for their kindness and Tom’s ever present love. Sayde’s performance was wonderful and she played one of the leads. She was the father and did marvellously well singing and dancing in her wheelchair. I just stayed two nights and we were able to celebrate Liza and my birthdays by going out for dinner Saturday evening with the family.

The Bishop asked to speak to me on Sunday March 9th and called me to serve in a new Relief Society Presidency with Melanie Leonard as president. I am happy to serve with Melanie, who is remarkable, and with Karen Chen and Cinthia Miranda, who will serve as secretary. I feel more comfortable in this calling than any calling I have had in a while. We have met several times, provided a missionary lunch, organized a Palm Sunday Linger Longer and made some home visits to sister’s homes. Melanie has been down to Salt Lake twice in the last month and we are still moving full steam ahead.

I have wanted to make more of the Easter Season this year as our church Leaders are suggesting, so I got  more decorations, kept my permanent outdoor lights shining and followed along the happenings on each day of Holy Week. The Ward and Stake Palm Sunday events were lovely. We, the Relief Society Presidency, decorated for and organized the Palm Sunday Linger Longer. General Conference happened to fall on Easter weekend and that event, along with it being a Solemn Assembly conference as we sustained a new Prophet and President, made it very special. We had our Easter Dinner on Monday with Cindy’s family, Jeff and Jean here at my house.

It has been an eventful month. I also changed my phone plan to Telus and got a new phone which I am still getting used to. I have collected and got our taxes into Phil our accountant but I am still receiving some more in the mail and will have to get those special delivered to Phil. I gave Cindy Tom’s laptop for her schooling and I am looking to get a new, smaller one for myself. I am wanting to use up Avion points and thought they could go toward a new laptop.

Liza, Breya, Monica and I had our birthday’s in March. Kona had her 4th Birthday April 2 and Sarah had her’s two days later. My family, Joanne, Jean, Melanie were all good to me on my Birthday. I am blessed.

March 6, 2026

 Since my last blog I have, for the most part, been in Alberta visiting Joanne, Dave, Jack, Jamie and. Brooke. Cindy, Kona and I flew out from Abbotsford to Calgary on February 24th. Joanne and Brooke picked us up there and drove us down to Lethbridge. The roads were good and we appreciated their kindness as we were unable to take the shuttle down because the shuttle will not take the dog. Dear dog! We had a lovely week. Jack was over each day to spend time with us and Cindy went with him to the university and studied there while he was in class. They both did school work at Joanne’s too, as well as participating in activities with us. We went for lunch at the Jasmine Room with Joanne (Cindy and myself). We went out for dinner for Mexican food one night and Italian food another night and to Jamie and Brooke’s on yet another night. Joanne treated us like we were in a lovely Bed and Breakfast, providing wonderful breakfasts each morning as well as other delicious meals. Dave goes out with his friends twice a week for lunch which is very nice for him. The big event was Lara Lyn and Colton driving up to surprise us! We were going to a matinee with Brooke and when we walked into the theatre, out jumped Lara Lyn and Colton. That was special. They had worked with Jamie and Brooke to make it all happen.They stayed with Jamie and Brooke for two nights and did things with us during the days they were there. Joanne and I watched the Cranford series and Bela came over to visit one afternoon. We also ran into Sandy Anvik while out walking and had a nice visit with her. We experienced snow, cold, wind, sun and warmth. We had it all. Joanne and Brooke retraced their steps on Tuesday, March 3rd and took us back to Calgary to catch our flight home.. Sam had driven us to the airport and then picked us upon our return. Kona did well going, coming  and while there. Good to see everyone. We had a lovely time.

Since back I have been getting ready for Easter, meeting with the new Relief Society Presidency, and working on projects at home. Always things to be doing.